Exkursion to Haus am Kleistpark: Microverse by Kathrin Linkersdorf

The exhibition Microverse is the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration that originated within the Excellence Cluster “Matters of Activity” at Humboldt University in Berlin. Artist Kathrin Linkersdorff worked closely with microbiologist Prof. Dr. Regine Hengge to explore how organic decay and bacterial processes could be transformed into visual narratives of astonishing complexity and beauty. Their experiments began with dead plant matter, specifically cellulose-rich materials, which were introduced into petri dishes containing bacteria capable of producing natural color pigments during decomposition. The interaction between plant tissues and bacterial colonies triggered the emergence of intricate, pigment-laced growth structures — revealing hidden ecosystems that speak to cycles of transformation, dissolution, and renewal. Linkersdorff meticulously documented these processes using ultra-high-resolution photography. Her images capture the ephemeral beauty of microbial life, dissolving the boundaries between science and art while drawing attention to the subtle choreography of decomposition at a microscopic scale. Each composition is not only a scientific artifact but also a poetic meditation on fragility, impermanence, and the hidden intelligence of nature. Presented as part of EMOP Berlin — European Month of Photography — Microverse invites the public to experience the unseen aesthetic potential of living systems. Admission to the exhibition is free and open through June 8, 2025.